Amazon and IE University have announced today the launch of Despega, a program designed to boost the growth and the digitization of more than 50,000 small businesses across Spain in the wake of the pandemic, with the collaboration of ICEX España Exportación e Inversiones, CEPYME and AECOC . Spanish small businesses have been significantly impacted by the health emergency, with more than 96% of them believing that the crisis is affecting their business . Furthermore, only 19% of SMEs in Spain have digital stores with most small businesses claiming that the lack of digital knowledge and training as well as the need for an initial investment are the main blockers stopping them to start and be successful selling online.
Despega will provide online learning resources and business advice for entrepreneurs interested in designing an e-commerce business plan, and for small and medium size businesses interested in selling online. Participants businesses will benefit from the following benefits, amongst others:
“With Despega, we want to support companies in developing the necessary skills to sell globally and to lay strong foundations to be successful for years, either with Amazon, alone or through other online services,” said Mariangela Marseglia, VP and Country Manager in Spain and Italy. “Small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of the Spanish economy and in the current climate, we believe that going digital will be the path for many hardworking companies to recover faster.”
Together with government and industry partners, Amazon will take an active role in supporting entrepreneurs and businesses to digitize and launch their online activities by offering a wide range of on-demand educational training from creating a business plan, funding, marketing to exporting.
“With Despega, small and medium-sized companies will be able to access hands-on knowledge on brand management and online channels development to accelerate their sales. We live in exceptional moments that provide opportunities for growth. To achieve this, it is necessary to rethink business processes, especially when we see double-digit growth online,” said Teresa Martin-Retortillo, Executive President of Exponential Learning at IE University.
“At IE University, we are pleased to offer companies and entrepreneurs our 20 years of experience in online training and our practical approach to developing growth strategies.”
Teresa Martin-Retortillo, Executive President of Exponential Learning at IE University
“Collaborating with this program, we want to help businesses in the recovery and growth through the internalization and digital tools. To join both aspects, it is a good choice to learn how to sell online from Amazon, whom we have been partnering with for many years,” said María Peña, Chairman at ICEX. “This package of critical support will include tailored guidance for businesses from e-commerce experts, advice for growth and tools to help businesses navigate the current climate and come out stronger.”
“Through this collaboration, we are working to inform and support the many SMEs we are representing in Spain about the tools and learning opportunities available for them to start selling online in order to recover faster from the crisis, grow their businesses and keep generating employment,” said Gerardo Cueva, President of CEPYME.
“From AECOC we support firmly the development of digital skills for businesses, which is one of our primary strategic focus. We are collaborating on this project that will help Spanish small businesses, especially in this complex situation where a good digital strategy can determine on whether businesses survive,” said José Mª Bonmatí, Director General at AECOC.
For more information about Despega Online and register your interest, click here.
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